Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a behavioural and emotional disorder that might occur in teenagers and children. An individual with conduct disorder displays a myriad of disruptive and aggressive behaviours, and may have difficulties adhering to rules.

It is common for these individuals to also experience behaviour problems during their early development. The problem is considered to be a conduct disorder when it is pervasive and when it violates others' rights, not socially accepted, and has an impact on the individual's and family's overall functioning.

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Symptoms

The symptoms may vary depending on the age of the child, and severity of the disorder (mild, moderate, or severe). The symptoms fall into four general categories:

Aggressive behaviour: behaviours that cause physical harm to others and may include instigating or part-taking in fights, bullying, being cruel towards others or animals, uses weapons, forcing another into sexual activity.

Violation of rules: going against accepted social rules of society or engaging in behavior that is not appropriate for the person's age, such as, truancy, smoking/alcohol/ drugs, or being sexually active at a very young age.

Individuals with conduct disorder might also appear irritable, have low self-esteem, and tend to display temper tantrums. Individuals with conduct disorder might experience difficulties understanding how their behaviour can cause hurt to others, and generally show little guilt or remorse about their actions.

Treatment

It is recommended for the child to receive a comprehensive treatment plan involving multiple treatment modalities so as to achieve the best outcome. The disorder is manageable with a supportive network of caregivers, school personnel, and peers.

Some examples of treatment include:

Pharmacological treatment

Psychoeducation to persons involved in child’s development (caregivers, school personnel, peers)